University's school of creative arts opened its doors to hundreds of people for its Final Year Degree Show

Hundreds of people attended Wrexham Glyndwr University’s successful launch of Final Year Degree Show.

The exhibition at the North Wales School of Art and Design on Regent Street, Wrexham, features three years of hard work by the university’s Art and Design students.

The show, Breaking the Mould, was launched on Friday by the new head of School of Creative Arts, Alec Shepley.

Professor Shepley said: “Being at art school is a special time, art schools are special places – they are zones of reflection, places where we all go on a journey.

“For those who think there’s no money in this industry, the arts and culture industry pays nearly five per cent more than the UK median salary of £26,095 and for every £1 of salary paid by the arts and culture industry, an additional £2.01 is generated in the wider economy.

“To break the mould requires willpower – especially important in the creative arts, where so much emphasis is placed on self-starting, self-initiative, self-criticality and creativity.”

Work on display at the exhibition includes paintings, animations, installations, photography, game art and much more.

Wrexham Glyndwr University’s School of Creative Arts was ranked top in Wales in The Guardian’s University Guide last month and 12th in the UK - a 31-place rise.

George Evans, 23, a Graphic Design and Multimedia student, presented a banner and self-designed t-shirt inspired by his experience of transitioning from female to male – which he is hoping to sell after university.

He said: “My t-shirt says ‘Still Me’ on it to basically show people I’m still the same person. It’s my way of reaching out in support of LGBT and transgender people.

“I started my transition about three years ago just before I started university. I was really shy and as Glyndwr is close to home it was the perfect place to study.

“It has really helped boost my confidence. Everyone here is open minded and the university is very close knit with small classes, which is great.”

At the launch evening Bob Evers, on behalf of the Randolph Caldecott Society, presented prizes to student Angela Jones, the winner of their annual competition.

Megan Roberts, 27, also studying Graphic Design and Multimedia, presented her work at the launch including an anti-bullying dress she designed which supports the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, a young girl who was murdered for her image in 2007.

Megan said: “Sophie was attacked because she looked like a ‘goth’ and I get a lot of abuse because I look and dress different too. I really related to her story and wanted to support the charity and fight against discriminations against appearance through my work.”

Megan’s dress features types of social media bullying and a portfolio of her work is also on display.

The exhibition will be open to the public, for free, on weekdays from 10am-4pm until Friday, June 3.